Christmas, while supposedly one of the most joyous times of year, can also be one of the most stressful. Sure, there’s tinsel and Mariah Carey and the freedom to watch Love Actually multiple times without judgement, but if you happen to be hosting the main event your blood pressure is probably going through the roof.
Those cousins you haven’t seen in years? They’ll be there, complete with gluten-free and vegan dietary requirements. Then there’s a tree to put up, a table to decorate, and, most importantly, a menu that will keep everyone happy to plan. Not to mention shopping for the last-minute Secret Santa you’ve been dragged into at work.
If the whole thing is filling you with dread instead of merriment, why not ditch tradition (and a mountain of dishes) and treat yourself to a nice civilised meal out on the town.
Here’s where you can grab a stress-free Christmas lunch in Perth.
Post
Perth
Dress to impress and head over to Post for an Italian-inspired Christmas lunch that will have your family singing your praises for years to come. Who wants to slave away in the kitchen when you could be treating yourself to perfect porchetta with crispy potatoes, buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, or a classic seafood risotto? No one, that’s who.
Shadow Wine Bar
Northbridge
For a classy Christmas affair, you can’t go past Shadow Wine Bar. They’re putting on a traditional festive feast (complete with mince pies and roast lamb), and will get your day off to a good start with a nice glass of bubbly on arrival.
The Guildford Hotel
Guildford
A three-course meal and two hours of free-flowing drinks sounds much better than cooking at home, doesn't it? Get stuck into The Guildford's duck fat fried potatoes and smoked meats with plenty of bubbly, beers and soft drinks.
The Balmoral
Victoria Park
With a delicious three-course lunch coming your way, and a generous drinks package including beer, cider, house wine and soft drinks, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the Christmas cheer from the Balmoral’s sunny beer garden. BYO Santa hat.
The Queens
Highgate
Nothing beats a nice relaxing meal at the pub, and folks at The Queens are holiday veterans when it comes to putting on a Christmas lunch for Perth locals and visitors alike. Yep, they’ve got a three-course menu and a side of jolly with your name on it.
Crown
Burswood
With all the Crown restaurants and bars putting on a spread for Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s bound to be a menu that suits your taste—from the casual al a carte menu at Market & Co, right through to a decadent set menu at Nobu. Forget the turkey and go for something slightly unconventional.
Eat Greek
East Fremantle
If anyone knows how to put on a good Christmas spread, it’s Eat Greek. They’ve got two sittings happening on Christmas Day, with the first from 11am to 1.15pm, and the second from 1.30pm through to closing time. Predicting your family will drive you nuts after an hour or so? Grab the first sitting and take the rest of the day off.
Ivy & Jack
Perth
If a buffet feast and chocolate fountain is sounding just like the Christmas miracle you’ve been praying for, look no further than Ivy & Jack. Gorging yourself silly on all the traditional dishes over a glass of wine or ten is definitely encouraged.
Dragon Palace
Northbridge
If turkey and pudding doesn’t float your boat, maybe a steamboat will do the trick? With a positively massive range of al a carte dishes and dim sum on offer, even the fussiest of family members are sure to leave feeling stuffed with Christmas cheer after lunch at Dragon Palace.
The Old Brewery
Perth
Lunch with a view? Don’t mind if we do. This year The Old Brewery is going all out, serving up a buffet breakfast, and set menu lunch and dinner with all the trimmings. Sit back, relax, and let them take all the hassle out of Christmas while you take in the city skyline.
While we're at it, have you heard gin baubles exist in Perth?
Image credit: Shadow Wine Bar